Tie a Fly, Catch a Fish!

This two-day nature immersive covers the history and core principles of fly fishing, walks students through tying their own flies in the studio, and then puts them to the test with a hands-on fly fishing outing in the Willamette Valley.

Writer and angling educator Nick Parish begins class at the WildCraft studio with an evening discussion of fly fishing basics, including history, key habitat and fish biology, gear, and technique before leading a fly tying session. Students will tie two different fly patterns: a dry fly for the surface of the water, and a nymph, imitating a sub-surface insect, learning core techniques like attaching materials, winding hackle, and wrapping thread, along with an appreciation for the range of flies anglers tie in pursuit of both effectiveness and artistry.

Then, on Saturday, the group will meet at a local fishing area near Portland to put those flies to work. Instruction will cover the basics of fly casting, on-water observation, and different fishing techniques, with time to practice everything you've learned. All tools and equipment are provided, though students are welcome to bring their own fly rods or tying materials.

Meeting location for the fishing portion of the workshop is within a 1-hour drive of Portland, and will be discussed during the first class on Wednesday evening.